Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)

Module SPAN3211: CATALAN [ADVANCED]

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN3211: CATALAN [ADVANCED]

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2020/21 Module Cap 30 Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Catalan 2 (SPAN2061) OR an equivalent qualfication to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

  • For BA in Modern Languages, Joint Honours including a Modern Language, and Combined Honours: Spanish Language 4 (SPAN3011) AND one other module in Hispanic Studies. Others: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To enable students to acquire a good command of Catalan at an advanced level, and to be able to read written Catalan at an advanced level of competence, and to enable them to discuss appropriately the issues associated with a selection of key literary texts.

Content

  • This course is available to students who have successfully completed Catalan 2.
  • Students intending to take this module are strongly encouraged to spend some time in a Catalan-speaking environment during the year abroad.
  • The module focuses primarily on the development of skills in spoken and written Catalan, linked to knowledge of contemporary Catalan culture.
  • Students also study two twentieth-century Catalan literary texts.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Participants should be able to speak, read and write Catalan to a high standard and to write knowledgeably about selected key texts.
  • Students will also learn and discuss about contemporary Catalan culture through authentic texts and visual material.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students should be able to convey ideas and discuss a wide range of general topics in fluent Catalan.
  • Students will be competent in speaking, listening, reading and writing Catalan.
Key Skills:
  • Extended development of general written and oral communication skills.
  • The ability to discuss topical or general issues with a high degree of fluency.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Language classes, conducted in the target language, concentrate on the integrated development of speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.
  • Six additional seminars enable detailed, interactive work on two acclaimed works of modern Catalan literature.
  • Summative assessment tests a range of skills and knowledge – oral expression, writing skills, grammatical understanding, cultural knowledge and reading skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Language class 42 Twice Weekly 1 hour 42
Tutorial 6 6 per year 1 hour 6
Preparation and Reading 152
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Exercise Term 1 1 hour 40% No
Written Examination 2 hours 60% No
Component: Oral Examination Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Oral Exercise Term 1 15 minutes 40% No
Oral Exercise Term 2 15 minutes 60% No
Component: Summative Essay Component Weighting: 35%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Summative Essay in Catalan 1,500 words 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Weekly grammar exercises, and pieces of written work spaced throughout the year.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University